Fictional Fixation

Prompt of the Day:
Your protagonist discovers a mysterious notebook that contains entries from their own past. The strange part? They don’t remember writing it. The entries detail experiences and emotions they’ve long since forgotten, including a life-changing event that occurred years ago. As they continue reading, they find a disturbing entry about a dream—a dream that seems to predict a terrible event that will soon happen to them. The protagonist begins to question whether the notebook is a guide to their future, a manifestation of their repressed memories, or something more sinister altogether. They must decide whether to trust the notebook’s contents and act on the warning, or ignore it and risk repeating a past they can’t fully recall.

Tips for the Prompt:

1. The Mysterious Notebook: The notebook should feel like a tangible piece of the protagonist’s forgotten past. Describe it in vivid detail—how does it feel when they hold it? Is it worn and faded, or does it look brand new? The notebook itself can be a clue to the mystery, as it might reveal strange characteristics, such as pages that seem to fill themselves in, or entries that don’t quite align with the protagonist’s memories.
2. The Forgotten Memories: The protagonist’s discovery of their forgotten past is a central theme. As they read through the notebook, they should remember moments they’ve long since pushed away or buried. These forgotten memories could be both comforting and unsettling, especially if they reveal relationships or events that the protagonist has repressed.
3. The Dream and the Warning: The dream within the notebook should be chilling and specific. Perhaps the dream foretells a disaster, a betrayal, or a confrontation with someone from their past. This element of the prompt allows for a sense of inevitability to build, as the protagonist tries to figure out whether they should act on the dream’s message or if it’s just a figment of their imagination.
4. Unreliable Narration: The protagonist’s confusion about whether they can trust the notebook’s contents creates an unreliable narrative. Are they losing their mind, or is there something truly strange happening? This uncertainty can create tension as the protagonist tries to determine whether the notebook is a warning or a trick of their subconscious.
5. The Past’s Impact on the Present: The story should explore the consequences of repressed memories and how they can shape the present. As the protagonist delves into their forgotten past, they may uncover truths about themselves, their relationships, and the choices they’ve made. The past could hold keys to understanding their current life—or it could lead to a new set of challenges.

This prompt is ideal for writers who enjoy exploring themes of memory, self-discovery, and the tension between past and present. It’s a great opportunity to craft a suspenseful, psychological story with a touch of mystery and intrigue. Happy writing!